Actuator Assembly for a Camera Module

ABSTRACT

A camera module that includes a housing within a lens module is positioned that contains one or more lenses and an actuator assembly that is configured to drive the lens module in an optical axis direction is provided. The actuator assembly includes a guide unit that is positioned between the housing and the lens module. The guide unit comprises a polymer composition that includes a polymer matrix containing an aromatic polymer, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of about 7,000 MPa or more as determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 178:2010 at 23° C. and a Rockwell surface hardness of about 25 or more as determined in accordance with ASTM D785-08 (Scale M).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims filing benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/821,077 having a filing date of Mar. 20, 2019;U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/885,333 having a filingdate of Aug. 12, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/978,846 having a filing date of Feb. 20, 2020, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Camera modules (or components) are often employed in mobile phones,laptop computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc.Generally, the camera module includes a lens module and an image sensorfor converting an image of an object into an electrical signal. The lensmodule may be disposed in a housing and include a lens barrel having oneor more lenses disposed therein. In addition, the camera module mayinclude an actuator assembly for optical image stabilization (OIS) toreduce resolution loss, or blurring, caused by hand-shake. The actuatorassembly functions by moving the lens module to a target position afterreceiving a certain signal. To help ensure proper alignment of the lensmodule during movement, many actuator assemblies also include ballbearings that help guide the lens module in the desired direction.Conventionally, these ball bearings are formed from a ceramic materialthat is sufficiently strong to withstanding the forces exerted duringuse. While strong, the ball bearings can nevertheless cause “dents” toform on surfaces of the camera module, which create noise and impactperformance.

As such, a need exists for an actuator assembly that can exhibit betterperformance when employed in a camera module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a cameramodule is disclosed that includes a housing which which a lens module ispositioned that contains one or more lenses and an actuator assemblythat is configured to drive the lens module in an optical axisdirection. The actuator assembly includes a guide unit that ispositioned between the housing and the lens module. The guide unitcomprises a polymer composition that includes a polymer matrixcontaining an aromatic polymer, wherein the polymer composition exhibitsa flexural modulus of about 7,000 MPa or more as determined inaccordance with ISO Test No. 178:2010 at 23° C. and a Rockwell surfacehardness of about 25 or more as determined in accordance with ASTMD785-08 (Scale M).

Other features and aspects of the present invention are set forth ingreater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth moreparticularly in the remainder of the specification, including referenceto the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module that may be formed inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an electronicdevice containing the camera module of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the electronic device shown inFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, andis not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a camera modulethat includes a housing within which a lens module is positioned thatcontains one or more lenses. An actuator assembly is configured to drivethe movement of the lens module in an optical axis direction. Theactuator assembly includes a guide unit (e.g., spring(s), ballbearing(s), etc.) positioned between the housing and the lens module tohelp guide the movement of the lens module in the desired direction.Notably, the guide unit contains a polymer composition having a uniquecombination of flexural strength and hardness that enables it tominimize the number of defects (e.g., dents) imparted onto the surfaceof the housing and/or lens module during movement of the lens module.More particularly, the polymer composition may exhibit a flexuralmodulus of about 7,000 MPa or more, in some embodiments from about 9,000MPa or more, in some embodiments, from about 10,000 MPa to about 30,000MPa, and in some embodiments, from about 12,000 MPa to about 25,000 MPa,as determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 178:2010 (technicallyequivalent to ASTM D790-10) at 23° C. The polymer composition may alsoexhibit a Rockwell surface hardness of about 25 or more, in someembodiments about 35 or more, in some embodiments about 45 or more, andin some embodiments, from about 55 to about 100, as determined inaccordance with ASTM D785-08 (Scale M). Further, when subjected to the“ball dent” test described herein, the polymer composition may exhibit adent of only about 50 micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 45micrometers or less, in some embodiments from about 1 to about 40micrometers, in some embodiments from about 1 to about 20 micrometers,in some embodiments from about 1 to about 10 micrometers, and in someembodiments, from about 1 to about 5 micrometers, as determined with ametal ball having a diameter of 1.5 mm and weight of 75 grams. Ofcourse, when tested with balls of a smaller weight (e.g., 35 or 50grams), the polymer composition may also exhibit a dent within theranges noted above. In addition, when subjected to the “mini-drop” testdescribed herein, the polymer composition may exhibit a dent of onlyabout 50 micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 45 micrometersor less, in some embodiments from about 1 to about 40 micrometers, insome embodiments from about 1 to about 20 micrometers, in someembodiments from about 1 to about 10 micrometers, and in someembodiments, from about 1 to about 5 micrometers, as determined for20,000 drops from a height of 150 millimeters with a metal ball having adiameter of 1.5 mm and weight of 5 grams. Of course, when tested with asmaller number of drops (e.g., 10,000 drops), the polymer compositionmay also exhibit a dent within the ranges noted above.

Of course in addition to those noted above, the polymer composition mayalso exhibit other good strength properties. For example, thecomposition may exhibit a Charpy unnotched and/or notched impactstrength of about 2 kJ/m², in some embodiments from about 4 to about 40kJ/m², and in some embodiments, from about 8 to about 30 kJ/m², measuredat 23° C. according to ISO Test No. 179-1:2010 (technically equivalentto ASTM D256-10e1). The composition may also exhibit a tensile strengthof from about 20 to about 500 MPa, in some embodiments from about 50 toabout 400 MPa, and in some embodiments, from about 60 to about 350 MPa;tensile break strain of about 0.5% or more, in some embodiments fromabout 0.8% to about 15%, and in some embodiments, from about 1% to about10%; and/or tensile modulus of from about 5,000 MPa to about 30,000 MPa,in some embodiments from about 7,000 MPa to about 25,000 MPa, and insome embodiments, from about 10,000 MPa to about 20,000 MPa. The tensileproperties may be determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 527:2012(technically equivalent to ASTM D638-14) at 23° C. The composition mayalso exhibit a flexural strength of from about 40 to about 500 MPa, insome embodiments from about 50 to about 400 MPa, and in someembodiments, from about 100 to about 350 MPa and/or a flexural breakstrain of about 0.5% or more, in some embodiments from about 0.8% toabout 15%, and in some embodiments, from about 1% to about 10%. Theflexural properties may be determined in accordance with ISO Test No.178:2010 (technically equivalent to ASTM D790-10) at 23° C. Thecomposition may also exhibit a deflection temperature under load (DTUL)of about 180° C. or more, and in some embodiments, from about 190° C. toabout 280° C., as measured according to ASTM D648-07 (technicallyequivalent to ISO Test No. 75-2:2013) at a specified load of 1.8 MPa.

Conventionally, it was believed that compositions having such goodmechanical properties would also not possess a low friction surface.Contrary to conventional thought, however, the composition of thepresent invention has been found to possess a low degree of surfacefriction, which can minimize the extent to which a skin layer is peeledoff during use of the guide unit. For example, the polymer compositionmay exhibit a dynamic coefficient of friction of about 1.0 or less, insome embodiments about 0.4 or less, in some embodiments about 0.35 orless, and in some embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 0.3, asdetermined in accordance with VDA 230-206:2007. Likewise, the wear depthmay be about 500 micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 200micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 100 micrometers or less,and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 70 micrometers, asdetermined in accordance with VDA 230-206:2007.

In addition, the composition can also exhibit excellent antistaticbehavior, particularly when an antistatic filler is included within thepolymer composition as discussed above. Such antistatic behavior can becharacterized by a relatively low surface and/or volume resistivity asdetermined in accordance with IEC 60093. For example, the compositionmay exhibit a surface resistivity of about 1×10¹⁵ ohms or less, in someembodiments about 1×10¹⁴ ohms or less, in some embodiments from about1×10¹⁰ ohms to about 9×10¹³ ohms, and in some embodiments, from about1×10¹¹ to about 1×10¹³ ohms. Likewise, the composition may also exhibita volume resistivity of about 1×10¹⁵ ohm-m or less, in some embodimentsfrom about 1×10⁹ ohm-m to about 9×10¹⁴ ohm-m, and in some embodiments,from about 1×10¹⁰ to about 5×10¹⁴ ohm-m. Of course, such antistaticbehavior is by no means required. For example, in some embodiments, thecomposition may exhibit a relatively high surface resistivity, such asabout 1×10¹⁵ ohms or more, in some embodiments about 1×10¹⁶ ohms ormore, in some embodiments from about 1×10¹⁷ ohms to about 9×10³⁰ ohms,and in some embodiments, from about 1×10¹⁸ to about 1×10²⁶ ohms.

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described inmore detail.

I. Polymer Composition

A. Polymer Matrix

The polymer matrix typically contains one or more aromatic polymers,generally in an amount of from about 20 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, in someembodiments from about 30 wt. % to about 65 wt. %, and in someembodiments, from about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the polymercomposition. The aromatic polymers may be considered “high performance”polymers in that they have a relatively high glass transitiontemperature and/or high melting temperature depending on the particularnature of the polymer. Such high performance polymers can thus provide asubstantial degree of heat resistance to the resulting polymercomposition. For example, the aromatic polymer may have a glasstransition temperature of about 100° C. or more, in some embodimentsabout 120° C. or more, in some embodiments from about 140° C. to about350° C., and in some embodiments, from about 150° C. to about 320° C.The aromatic polymer may also have a melting temperature of about 200°C. or more, in some embodiments from about 220° C. to about 350° C., andin some embodiments, from about 240° C. to about 300° C. The glasstransition and melting temperatures may be determined as is well knownin the art using differential scanning calorimetry (“DSC”), such asdetermined by ISO Test No. 11357-2:2013 (glass transition) and11357-3:2011 (melting).

The aromatic polymer can be substantially amorphous, semi-crystalline,or crystalline in nature. One example of a suitable semi-crystallinearomatic polymer, for instance, is an aromatic or semi-aromaticpolyamide. Aromatic polyamides typically contain repeating units heldtogether by amide linkages (NH—CO) and are synthesized through thepolycondensation of dicarboxylic acids (e.g., aromatic dicarboxylicacids), diamines (e.g., aliphatic diamines), etc. For example, thearomatic polyamide may contain aromatic repeating units derived from anaromatic dicarboxylic acid, such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid,2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid,1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-phenylenedioxy-diacetic acid,1,3-phenylenedioxy-diacetic acid, diphenic acid, 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid,diphenylmethane-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid,diphenylsulfone-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid,etc., as well as combinations thereof. Terephthalic acid is particularlysuitable. Of course, it should also be understood that other types ofacid units may also be employed, such as aliphatic dicarboxylic acidunits, polyfunctional carboxylic acid units, etc. The aromatic polyamidemay also contain aliphatic repeating units derived from an aliphaticdiamine, which typically has from 4 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of suchdiamines include linear aliphatic alkylenediamines, such as1,4-tetramethylenediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,7-heptanediamine,1,8-octanediamine, 1,9-nonanediamine, 1,10-decanediamine,1,11-undecanediamine, 1,12-dodecanediamine, etc.; branched aliphaticalkylenediamines, such as 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine, 3-methyl-1,5pentanediamine, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine,2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, 2,4-dimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine,2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine, 5-methyl-1,9-nonanediamine, etc.; as well ascombinations thereof. Repeating units derived from 1,9-nonanediamineand/or 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine are particularly suitable. Of course,other diamine units may also be employed, such as alicyclic diamines,aromatic diamines, etc.

Particularly suitable polyamides may include poly(nonamethyleneterephthalamide) (PA9T), poly(nonamethyleneterephthalamide/nonamethylene decanediamide) (PA9T/910),poly(nonamethylene terephthalamide/nonamethylene dodecanediamide)(PA9T/912), poly(nonamethylene terephthalamide/11-aminoundecanamide)(PA9T/11), poly(nonamethylene terephthalamide/12-aminododecanamide)(PA9T/12), poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/11-aminoundecanamide) (PA10T/11), poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/12-aminododecanamide)(PA10T/12), poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/decamethylenedecanediamide) (PA10T/1010), poly(decamethyleneterephthalamide/decamethylene dodecanediamide) (PA10T/1012),poly(decamethylene terephlhalamide/tetramethylene hexanediamide)(PA10T/46), poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/caprolactam) (PA10T/6),poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/hexamethylene hexanediamide)(PA10T/66), poly(dodecamethylene Ierephthalamide/dodecamelhylenedodecanediarnide) (PA12T/1212), poly(dodecamethyleneterephthalamide/caprolactam) (PA12T/6), poly(dodecamethyleneterephthalamide/hexamethylene hexanediamide) (PA12T/66), and so forth.Yet other examples of suitable aromatic polyamides are described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,324,307 to Harder, et al.

Another suitable semi-crystalline aromatic polymer that may be employedis an aromatic polyester that is a condensation product of an aromaticdicarboxylic acid having 8 to 14 carbon atoms and at least one diol.Suitable diols may include, for instance, neopentyl glycol,cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propane diol and aliphaticglycols of the formula HO(CH₂)_(n)OH where n is an integer of 2 to 10.Suitable aromatic dicarboxylic acids may include, for instance,isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1,2-di(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane,4,4′-dicarboxydiphenyl ether, etc., as well as combinations thereof.Fused rings can also be present such as in 1,4- or 1,5- or2,6-naphthalene-dicarboxylic acids. Particular examples of such aromaticpolyesters include poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(1,4-butyleneterephthalate) (PBT), poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate) (PPT),poly(1,4-butylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PBN), poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)(PEN), poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), as wellas copolymer, derivatives, and mixtures of the foregoing.

In addition, modified or copolymers of such aromatic polyesters may alsobe used. For instance, in one embodiment, a modifying acid or amodifying diol may be used to produce modified polyethyleneterephthalate polymers and/or modified polybutylene terephthalatepolymers. As used herein, the terms “modifying acid” and “modifyingdiol” are meant to define compounds, which can form part of the acid anddiol repeat units of a polyester, respectively, and which can modify apolyester to reduce its crystallinity or render the polyester amorphous.Of course, the polyesters may be non-modified and do not contain amodifying acid or a modifying diol. In any event, examples of modifyingacid components may include, but are not limited to, isophthalic acid,phthalic acid, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthaline dicarboxylic acid, succinic acid,glutaric acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, suberic acid,1,12-dodecanedioic acid, etc. In practice, it is often preferable to usea functional acid derivative thereof such as the dimethyl, diethyl, ordipropyl ester of the dicarboxylic acid. The anhydrides or acid halidesof these acids also may be employed where practical. Examples ofmodifying diol components may include, but are not limited to, neopentylglycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol,2-methy-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol,1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol,1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl 1,3-cyclobutane diol,Z,8-bis(hydroxymethyltricyclo-[5.2.1.0]-decane wherein Z represents 3,4, or 5; 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene, 4,4′-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)diphenylether [bis-hydroxyethyl bisphenol A],4,4′-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)diphenylsulfide [bis-hydroxyethyl bisphenol S]and diols containing one or more oxygen atoms in the chain, e.g.,diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, etc. In general, these diols contain 2 to 18, and in someembodiments, 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Cycloaliphatic diols can be employedin their cis- or trans-configuration or as mixtures of both forms.

Polyarylene sulfides are also suitable semi-crystalline aromaticpolymers. The polyarylene sulfide may be homopolymers or copolymers. Forinstance, selective combination of dihaloaromatic compounds can resultin a polyarylene sulfide copolymer containing not less than twodifferent units. For instance, when p-dichlorobenzene is used incombination with m-dichlorobenzene or 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfone, apolyarylene sulfide copolymer can be formed containing segments havingthe structure of formula:

and segments having the structure of formula:

or segments having the structure of formula:

The polyarylene sulfide may be linear, semi-linear, branched orcrosslinked. Linear polyarylene sulfides typically contain 80 mol % ormore of the repeating unit —(Ar—S)—. Such linear polymers may alsoinclude a small amount of a branching unit or a cross-linking unit, butthe amount of branching or cross-linking units is typically less thanabout 1 mol % of the total monomer units of the polyarylene sulfide. Alinear polyarylene sulfide polymer may be a random copolymer or a blockcopolymer containing the above-mentioned repeating unit. Semi-linearpolyarylene sulfides may likewise have a cross-linking structure or abranched structure introduced into the polymer a small amount of one ormore monomers having three or more reactive functional groups. By way ofexample, monomer components used in forming a semi-linear polyarylenesulfide can include an amount of polyhaloaromatic compounds having twoor more halogen substituents per molecule which can be utilized inpreparing branched polymers. Such monomers can be represented by theformula R′X_(n), where each X is selected from chlorine, bromine, andiodine, n is an integer of 3 to 6, and R′ is a polyvalent aromaticradical of valence n which can have up to about 4 methyl substituents,the total number of carbon atoms in R′ being within the range of 6 toabout 16. Examples of some polyhaloaromatic compounds having more thantwo halogens substituted per molecule that can be employed in forming asemi-linear polyarylene sulfide include 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene,1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichloro-5-bromobenzene,1,2,4-triiodobenzene, 1,2,3,5-tetrabromobenzene, hexachlorobenzene,1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 2,2′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl,2,2′,5,5′-tetra-iodobiphenyl,2,2′,6,6′-tetrabromo-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbiphenyl,1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphthalene, 1,2,4-tribromo-6-methylnaphthalene,etc., and mixtures thereof.

As indicated above, substantially amorphous polymers may also beemployed in the polymer composition that lack a distinct melting pointtemperature. Suitable amorphous polymers may include, for instance,polyphenylene oxide (“PPO”), aromatic polycarbonates, aromaticpolyetherimides, etc. Aromatic polycarbonates, for instance, typicallyhave a glass transition temperature of from about 130° C. to about 160°C. and contain aromatic repeating units derived from one or morearomatic diols. Particularly suitable aromatic diols are bisphenols,such as gem-bisphenols in which two phenols groups are attached to asingle carbon atom of a bivalent connecting radical. Examples of suchbisphenols may include, for instance, such as4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (“bisphenol A”), 4,4′-ethylidenediphenol,4,4′-(4-chloro-a-methylbenzylidene)diphenol,4,4′cyclohexylidenediphenol, 4,4 (cyclohexylmethylene)diphenol, etc., aswell as combinations thereof. The aromatic diol may be reacted with aphosgene. For example, the phosgene may be a carbonyl chloride havingthe formula C(O)Cl₂. An alternative route to the synthesis of anaromatic polycarbonate may involve the transesterification of thearomatic diol (e.g., bisphenol) with a diphenyl carbonate.

In addition to the polymers referenced above, crystalline polymers mayalso be employed in the polymer composition. Particularly suitable areliquid crystalline polymers, which have a high degree of crystallinitythat enables them to effectively fill the small spaces of a mold. Liquidcrystalline polymers are generally classified as “thermotropic” to theextent that they can possess a rod-like structure and exhibit acrystalline behavior in their molten state (e.g., thermotropic nematicstate). Such polymers may be formed from one or more types of repeatingunits as is known in the art. A liquid crystalline polymer may, forexample, contain one or more aromatic ester repeating units generallyrepresented by the following Formula (I):

wherein,

ring B is a substituted or unsubstituted 6-membered aryl group (e.g.,1,4-phenylene or 1,3-phenylene), a substituted or unsubstituted6-membered aryl group fused to a substituted or unsubstituted 5- or6-membered aryl group (e.g., 2,6-naphthalene), or a substituted orunsubstituted 6-membered aryl group linked to a substituted orunsubstituted 5- or 6-membered aryl group (e.g., 4,4-biphenylene); and

Y₁ and Y₂ are independently O, C(O), NH, C(O)HN, or NHC(O).

Typically, at least one of Y₁ and Y₂ are C(O). Examples of such aromaticester repeating units may include, for instance, aromatic dicarboxylicrepeating units (Y₁ and Y₂ in Formula I are C(O)), aromatichydroxycarboxylic repeating units (Y₁ is O and Y₂ is C(O) in Formula I),as well as various combinations thereof.

Aromatic hydroxycarboxylic repeating units, for instance, may beemployed that are derived from aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, suchas, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; 4-hydroxy-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid;2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid; 2-hydroxy-5-naphthoic acid;3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid; 2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid;4′-hydroxyphenyl-4-benzoic acid; 3′-hydroxyphenyl-4-benzoic acid;4′-hydroxyphenyl-3-benzoic acid, etc., as well as alkyl, alkoxy, aryland halogen substituents thereof, and combination thereof. Particularlysuitable aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids are 4-hydroxybenzoic acid(“HBA”) and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (“HNA”). When employed, repeatingunits derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids (e.g., HBA and/or HNA)typically constitute about 50 mol. % or more, in some embodiments about60 mol. % or more, and in some embodiments, from about 80 mol. % to 100mol. % of the polymer.

Aromatic dicarboxylic repeating units may also be employed that arederived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids, such as terephthalic acid,isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diphenylether-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, 1,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid,2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-dicarboxybiphenyl,bis(4-carboxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-carboxyphenyl)butane,bis(4-carboxyphenyl)ethane, bis(3-carboxyphenyl)ether,bis(3-carboxyphenyl)ethane, etc., as well as alkyl, alkoxy, aryl andhalogen substituents thereof, and combinations thereof. Particularlysuitable aromatic dicarboxylic acids may include, for instance,terephthalic acid (“TA”), isophthalic acid (“IA”), and2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (“NDA”). When employed, repeating unitsderived from aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., IA, TA, and/or NDA)typically constitute from about 1 mol. % to about 50 mol. %, in someembodiments from about 2 mol. % to about 40 mol. %, and in someembodiments, from about 5 mol. % to about 30% of the polymer.

Other repeating units may also be employed in the polymer. In certainembodiments, for instance, repeating units may be employed that arederived from aromatic diols, such as hydroquinone, resorcinol,2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene,1,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl (or 4,4′-biphenol),3,3′-dihydroxybiphenyl, 3,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl, 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenylether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, etc., as well as alkyl, alkoxy, aryland halogen substituents thereof, and combinations thereof. Particularlysuitable aromatic diols may include, for instance, hydroquinone (“HQ”)and 4,4′-biphenol (“BP”). When employed, repeating units derived fromaromatic diols (e.g., HQ and/or BP) typically constitute from about 1mol. % to about 30 mol. %, in some embodiments from about 2 mol. % toabout 25 mol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 5 mol. % to about20% of the polymer. Repeating units may also be employed, such as thosederived from aromatic amides (e.g., acetaminophen (“APAP”)) and/oraromatic amines (e.g., 4-aminophenol (“AP”), 3-aminophenol,1,4-phenylenediamine, 1,3-phenylenediamine, etc.). When employed,repeating units derived from aromatic amides (e.g., APAP) and/oraromatic amines (e.g., AP) typically constitute from about 0.1 mol. % toabout 20 mol. %, in some embodiments from about 0.5 mol. % to about 15mol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 1 mol. % to about 10% of thepolymer. It should also be understood that various other monomericrepeating units may be incorporated into the polymer. For instance, incertain embodiments, the polymer may contain one or more repeating unitsderived from non-aromatic monomers, such as aliphatic or cycloaliphatichydroxycarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, diols, amides, amines, etc.Of course, in other embodiments, the polymer may be “wholly aromatic” inthat it lacks repeating units derived from non-aromatic (e.g., aliphaticor cycloaliphatic) monomers.

Although not necessarily required, the liquid crystalline polymer may bea “high naphthenic” polymer to the extent that it contains a relativelyhigh content of repeating units derived from naphthenichydroxycarboxylic acids and naphthenic dicarboxylic acids, such asnaphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (“NDA”), 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid(“HNA”), or combinations thereof. That is, the total amount of repeatingunits derived from naphthenic hydroxycarboxylic and/or dicarboxylicacids (e.g., NDA, HNA, or a combination of HNA and NDA) is typicallyabout 10 mol. % or more, in some embodiments about 15 mol. % or more,and in some embodiments, from about 20 mol. % to about 35 mol. % of thepolymer. Contrary to many conventional “low naphthenic” polymers, it isbelieved that the resulting “high naphthenic” polymers are capable ofexhibiting good thermal and mechanical properties. In one particularembodiment, for instance, the liquid crystalline polymer may be formedfrom repeating units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (“NBA”) and6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (“HNA”), as well as various other optionalconstituents. The repeating units derived from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid(“NBA”) may constitute from about 50 mol. % to about 90 mol. %, in someembodiments from about 60 mol. % to about 85 mol. %, and in someembodiments, from about 65 mol. % to about 80% of the polymer. Therepeating units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (“HNA”) maylikewise constitute from about 10 mol. % to about 50 mol. %, in someembodiments from about 15 mol. % to about 40 mol. %, and in someembodiments, from about 20 mol. % to about 35% of the polymer.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, blends of aromaticpolymers may also be employed to help achieve the desired properties ofthe polymer composition. For example, the polymer composition maycontain a liquid crystalline polymer in combination with asemi-crystalline aromatic polyester, such as those described above. Inone particular embodiment, for instance, the aromatic polyester may be apolyalkylene terephthalate, such as poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethyleneterephthalate) (PCT), as well as copolymers and derivatives thereof. Tohelp minimize the extent that the aromatic polyester reacts with theliquid crystalline polymer, it is generally desired that the content ofcarboxyl end groups in the polymer is kept relatively low, such as about100 milliequivalents per kilogram (“meq/kg”) or less, in someembodiments about 50 meq/kg or less, and in some embodiments, about 30meq/kg or less. It is likewise generally desired that the content ofhydroxyl end groups in the polymer is about 100 meq/kg or less, in someembodiments about 50 meq/kg or less, and in some embodiments, about 30meq/kg or less. The content of carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups may bedetermined by any known technique, such as by titration methods (e.g.,potentiometry).

When such a blend is employed, liquid crystalline polymers mayconstitute from about 30 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, in some embodimentsfrom about 40 wt. % to about 80 wt. %, and in some embodiments, fromabout 60 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of the blend, while thesemi-crystalline aromatic polyesters may likewise constitute from about15 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 20 wt. % toabout 60 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 25 wt. % to about 40wt. % of the blend. Liquid crystalline polymers may, for instance, mayconstitute from about 15 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, in some embodimentsfrom about 20 wt. % to about 75 wt. %, and in some embodiments, fromabout 30 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the entire polymer composition,while the semi-crystalline aromatic polyesters may likewise constitutefrom about 1 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 5wt. % to about 45 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 10 wt. % toabout 40 wt. % of the entire polymer composition.

B. Mineral Filler

As indicated above, the polymer composition contains one or more mineralfillers distributed within the polymer matrix. Such mineral filler(s)typically constitute from about 20 to about 100 parts, in someembodiments from about 35 to about 90 parts, and in some embodiments,from about 50 to about 80 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of thepolymer matrix. The mineral filler(s) may, for instance, constitute fromabout 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 10 wt. %to about 55 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 25 wt. % to about40 wt. % of the polymer composition.

The nature of the mineral filler(s) employed in the polymer compositionmay vary, such as mineral particles, mineral fibers (or “whiskers”),etc., as well as blends thereof. Typically, the mineral filler(s)employed in the polymer composition have a certain hardness value tohelp improve the mechanical strength, adhesive strength, and surfaceproperties of the composition, which enables the composition to beuniquely suited to form the small guide units of a camera module. Forinstance, the hardness values may be about 2.0 or more, in someembodiments about 2.5 or more, in some embodiments about 3.0 or more, insome embodiments from about 3.0 to about 11.0, in some embodiments fromabout 3.5 to about 11.0, and in some embodiments, from about 4.5 toabout 6.5 based on the Mohs hardness scale. In certain embodiments, forinstance, the polymer composition may contain a blend of mineralparticles and mineral fibers. When such a blend is employed, mineralfibers may constitute from about 25 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, in someembodiments from about 30 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, and in someembodiments, from about 35 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the blend, whilemineral particles may likewise constitute from about 30 wt. % to about75 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, andin some embodiments, from about 50 wt. % to about 65 wt. % of the blend.Mineral fibers may, for instance, may constitute about 1 wt. % to about40 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 3 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, andin some embodiments, from about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the entirepolymer composition, while mineral particles may likewise constitutefrom about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 5wt. % to about 40 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 5 wt. % to about30 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. %of the entire polymer composition.

Any of a variety of different types of mineral particles may generallybe employed in the polymer composition, such as those formed from anatural and/or synthetic silicate mineral, such as talc, mica, silica,alumina, halloysite, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, vermiculite,palygorskite, pyrophyllite, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate,wollastonite, etc.; sulfates; carbonates; phosphates; fluorides,borates; and so forth. Particularly suitable are particles having thedesired hardness value, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃, Mohs hardnessof 3.0), copper carbonate hydroxide (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂, Mohs hardness of 4.0);calcium fluoride (CaFl₂, Mohs hardness of 4.0); calcium pyrophosphate((Ca₂P₂O₇, Mohs hardness of 5.0), anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO₄,Mohs hardness of 3.5), hydrated aluminum phosphate (AlPO₄.2H₂O, Mohshardness of 4.5); silica (SiO₂, Mohs hardness of 5.0-6.0), potassiumaluminum silicate (KAlSi₃O₈, Mohs hardness of 6), copper silicate(CuSiO₃.H₂O, Mohs hardness of 5.0); calcium borosilicate hydroxide(Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅, Mohs hardness of 3.5); alumina (AlO₂, Mohs hardness of10.0); calcium sulfate (CaSO₄, Mohs hardness of 3.5), barium sulfate(BaSO₄, Mohs hardness of from 3 to 3.5), mica (Mohs hardness of2.5-5.3), and so forth, as well as combinations thereof. Mica, forinstance, is particularly suitable. Any form of mica may generally beemployed, including, for instance, muscovite (KAl₂(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂),biotite (K(Mg,Fe)₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂), phlogopite (KMg₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂),lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₂₋₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂), glauconite(K,Na)(Al,Mg,Fe)₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂), etc. Muscovite-based mica isparticularly suitable for use in the polymer composition.

In certain embodiments, the mineral particles, such as barium sulfateand/or calcium sulfate particles, may have a shape that is generallygranular or nodular in nature. In such embodiments, the particles mayhave a median size (e.g., diameter) of from about 0.5 to about 20micrometers, in some embodiments from about 1 to about 15 micrometers,in some embodiments from about 1.5 to about 10 micrometers, and in someembodiments, from about 2 to about 8 micrometers, such as determinedusing laser diffraction techniques in accordance with ISO 13320:2009(e.g., with a Horiba LA-960 particle size distribution analyzer). Inother embodiments, it may also be desirable to employ flake-shapedmineral particles, such as mica particles, that have a relatively highaspect ratio (e.g., average diameter divided by average thickness), suchas about 4 or more, in some embodiments about 8 or more, and in someembodiments, from about 10 to about 500. In such embodiments, theaverage diameter of the particles may, for example, range from about 5micrometers to about 200 micrometers, in some embodiments from about 8micrometers to about 150 micrometers, and in some embodiments, fromabout 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers. The average thickness maylikewise be about 2 micrometers or less, in some embodiments from about5 nanometers to about 1 micrometer, and in some embodiments, from about20 nanometers to about 500 nanometers such as determined using laserdiffraction techniques in accordance with ISO 13320:2009 (e.g., with aHoriba LA-960 particle size distribution analyzer). The mineralparticles may also have a narrow size distribution. That is, at leastabout 70% by volume of the particles, in some embodiments at least about80% by volume of the particles, and in some embodiments, at least about90% by volume of the particles may have a size within the ranges notedabove.

Suitable mineral fibers may likewise include those that are derived fromsilicates, such as neosilicates, sorosilicates, inosilicates (e.g.,calcium inosilicates, such as wollastonite; calcium magnesiuminosilicates, such as tremolite; calcium magnesium iron inosilicates,such as actinolite; magnesium iron inosilicates, such as anthophyllite;etc.), phyllosilicates (e.g., aluminum phyllosilicates, such aspalygorskite), tectosilicates, etc.; sulfates, such as calcium sulfates(e.g., dehydrated or anhydrous gypsum); mineral wools (e.g., rock orslag wool); and so forth. Particularly suitable are fibers having thedesired hardness value, including fibers derived from inosilicates, suchas wollastonite (Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5.0), which are commerciallyavailable from Nyco Minerals under the trade designation Nyglos® (e.g.,Nyglos® 4 W or Nyglos® 8). The mineral fibers may have a median width(e.g., diameter) of from about 1 to about 35 micrometers, in someembodiments from about 2 to about 20 micrometers, in some embodimentsfrom about 3 to about 15 micrometers, and in some embodiments, fromabout 7 to about 12 micrometers. The mineral fibers may also have anarrow size distribution. That is, at least about 60% by volume of thefibers, in some embodiments at least about 70% by volume of the fibers,and in some embodiments, at least about 80% by volume of the fibers mayhave a size within the ranges noted above. Without intending to belimited by theory, it is believed that mineral fibers having the sizecharacteristics noted above can more readily move through moldingequipment, which enhances the distribution within the polymer matrix andminimizes the creation of surface defects. In addition to possessing thesize characteristics noted above, the mineral fibers may also have arelatively high aspect ratio (average length divided by median width) tohelp further improve the mechanical properties and surface quality ofthe resulting polymer composition. For example, the mineral fibers mayhave an aspect ratio of from about 2 to about 100, in some embodimentsfrom about 2 to about 50, in some embodiments from about 3 to about 20,and in some embodiments, from about 4 to about 15. The volume averagelength of such mineral fibers may, for example, range from about 1 toabout 200 micrometers, in some embodiments from about 2 to about 150micrometers, in some embodiments from about 5 to about 100 micrometers,and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 50 micrometers.

C. Optional Components

i. Glass Fibers

One beneficial aspect of the present invention is that good mechanicalproperties may be achieved without adversely impacting the dimensionalstability of the resulting part. To help ensure that this dimensionalstability is maintained, it is generally desirable that the polymercomposition remains substantially free of conventional fibrous fillers,such as glass fibers. Thus, if employed at all, glass fibers typicallyconstitute no more than about 10 wt. %, in some embodiments no more thanabout 5 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 0.001 wt. % to about3 wt. % of the polymer composition.

ii. Impact Modifier

If desired, an impact modifier may be employed in the polymercomposition to help improve the impact strength and flexibility of thepolymer composition. When employed, impact modifiers typicallyconstitute from about 0.1 to about 20 parts, in some embodiments fromabout 0.5 to about 15 parts, and in some embodiments, from about 1 toabout 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer matrix.For instance, impact modifiers may constitute from about 0.1 wt. % toabout 15 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 0.2 wt. % to about 12 wt.%, and in some embodiments, from about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % ofthe polymer composition.

In certain embodiments, for instance, the impact modifier may be apolymer that contains an olefinic monomeric unit that derived from oneor more α-olefins. Examples of such monomers include, for instance,linear and/or branched α-olefins having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms andtypically from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific examples include ethylene,propylene, 1-butene; 3-methyl-1-butene; 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene;1-pentene; 1-pentene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propylsubstituents; 1-hexene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propylsubstituents; 1-heptene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propylsubstituents; 1-octene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propylsubstituents; 1-nonene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propylsubstituents; ethyl, methyl or dimethyl-substituted 1-decene;1-dodecene; and styrene. Particularly desired α-olefin monomers areethylene and propylene. The olefin polymer may be in the form of acopolymer that contains other monomeric units as known in the art. Forexample, another suitable monomer may include a “(meth)acrylic” monomer,which includes acrylic and methacrylic monomers, as well as salts oresters thereof, such as acrylate and methacrylate monomers. Examples ofsuch (meth)acrylic monomers may include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate,n-propyl acrylate, i-propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, s-butylacrylate, i-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-amyl acrylate, i-amylacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate,2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate,methylcyclohexyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate,methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate,n-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, i-propyl methacrylate,butyl methacrylate, n-amyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, i-amylmethacrylate, s-butyl-methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylbutylmethacrylate, methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, cinnamyl methacrylate,crotyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, cyclopentyl methacrylate,2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, etc., as well ascombinations thereof. In one embodiment, for instance, the impactmodifier may be an ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (“EMAC”). Whenemployed, the relative portion of the monomeric component(s) may beselectively controlled. The α-olefin monomer(s) may, for instance,constitute from about 55 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, in some embodimentsfrom about 60 wt. % to about 90 wt. %, and in some embodiments, fromabout 65 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of the copolymer. Other monomericcomponents (e.g., (meth)acrylic monomers) may constitute from about 5wt. % to about 35 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 10 wt. % toabout 32 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 15 wt. % to about 30wt. % of the copolymer.

Other suitable suitable olefin copolymers may be those that are“epoxy-functionalized” in that they contain, on average, two or moreepoxy functional groups per molecule. The copolymer may also contain anepoxy-functional monomeric unit. One example of such a unit is anepoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomeric component. For example,suitable epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomers may include, but arenot limited to, those containing 1,2-epoxy groups, such as glycidylacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate. Other suitable epoxy-functionalmonomers include allyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl ethylacrylate, andglycidyl itoconate. Other suitable monomers may also be employed to helpachieve the desired molecular weight. In one particular embodiment, forexample, the copolymer may be a terpolymer formed from anepoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomeric component, α-olefin monomericcomponent, and non-epoxy functional (meth)acrylic monomeric component.The copolymer may, for instance, bepoly(ethylene-co-butylacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate). When employed,the epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer(s) typically constitutes fromabout 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 2 wt. %to about 15 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 3 wt. % to about10 wt. % of the copolymer.

iii. Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resins may also be employed in certain embodiments, such as tohelp minimize the degree to which blends of aromatic polymers (e.g.,liquid crystalline polymer and semi-crystalline aromatic polyester)react together during formation of the polymer composition. Whenemployed, epoxy resins typically constitute from about 0.01 to about 5parts, in some embodiments from about 0.05 to about 4 parts, and in someembodiments, from about 0.1 to about 2 parts by weight per 100 parts ofthe polymer matrix. For instance, epoxy resins may constitute from about0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 0.1 wt. % toabout 4 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 0.3 wt. % to about 2wt. % of the polymer composition.

Epoxy resins have a certain epoxy equivalent weight may be particularlyeffective for use in the polymer composition. Namely, the epoxyequivalent weight is generally from about 250 to about 1,500, in someembodiments from about 400 to about 1,000, and in some embodiments, fromabout 500 to about 800 grams per gram equivalent as determined inaccordance with ASTM D1652-11e1. The epoxy resin also typicallycontains, on the average, at least about 1.3, in some embodiments fromabout 1.6 to about 8, and in some embodiments, from about 3 to about 5epoxide groups per molecule. The epoxy resin also typically has arelatively low dynamic viscosity, such as from about 1 centipoise toabout 25 centipoise, in some embodiments 2 centipoise to about 20centipoise, and in some embodiments, from about 5 centipoise to about 15centipoise, as determined in accordance with ASTM D445-15 at atemperature of 25° C. At room temperature (25° C.), the epoxy resin isalso typically a solid or semi-solid material having a melting point offrom about 50° C. to about 120° C., in some embodiments from about 60°C. to about 110° C., and in some embodiments, from about 70° C. to about100° C.

The epoxy resin can be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched,aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, and may bearsubstituents which do not materially interfere with the reaction withthe oxirane. Suitable epoxy resins include, for instance, glycidylethers (e.g., diglycidyl ether) that are prepared by reacting anepichlorohydrin with a hydroxyl compound containing at least 1.5aromatic hydroxyl groups, optionally under alkaline reaction conditions.Multi-functional compounds are particularly suitable. For instance, theepoxy resin may be a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol, diglycidylether of a hydrogenated dihydric phenol, triglycidyl ether of atrihydric phenol, triglycidyl ether of a hydrogenated trihydric phenol,etc. Diglycidyl ethers of dihydric phenols may be formed, for example,by reacting an epihalohydrin with a dihydric phenol. Examples ofsuitable dihydric phenols include, for instance,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (“bisphenol A”); 2,2-bis4-hydroxy-3-tert-butylphenyl) propane; 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethane;1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) isobutane; bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl) methane;1,5 dihydroxynaphthalene; 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-alkylphenyl) ethane, etc.Suitable dihydric phenols can also be obtained from the reaction ofphenol with aldehydes, such as formaldehyde) (“bisphenol F”). Commercialavailable examples of such multi-functional epoxy resins may includeEpon™ resins available from Hexion under the designations 862, 828, 826,825, 1001, 1002, 1009, SU3, 154, 1031, 1050, 133, and 165. Othersuitable multi-functional epoxy resins are available from Huntsman underthe trade designation Araldite™ (e.g., Araldite™ ECN 1273 and Araldite™ECN 1299.

iv. Antistatic Filler

An antistatic filler may also be employed in the polymer composition tohelp reduce the tendency to create a static electric charge during amolding operation, transportation, collection, assembly, etc. Suchfillers, when employed, typically constitute from about 0.1 to about 20parts, in some embodiments from about 0.2 to about 10 parts, and in someembodiments, from about 0.5 to about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts byweight of the polymer matrix. For instance, the antistatic filler mayconstitute from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, in some embodimentsfrom about 0.2 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, and in some embodiments, fromabout 0.5 wt. % to about 4 wt. % of the polymer composition.

Any of a variety of antistatic fillers may generally be employed in thepolymer composition to help improve its antistatic characteristics.Examples of suitable antistatic fillers may include, for instance, metalparticles (e.g., aluminum flakes), metal fibers, carbon particles (e.g.,graphite, expanded graphite, grapheme, carbon black, graphitized carbonblack, etc.), carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and so forth. In oneembodiment, for instance, the antistatic filler may be an ionic liquid.One benefit of such a material is that, in addition to being anantistatic agent, the ionic liquid can also exist in liquid form duringmelt processing, which allows it to be more uniformly blended within thepolymer matrix. This improves electrical connectivity and therebyenhances the ability of the composition to rapidly dissipate staticelectric charges from its surface. The ionic liquid is generally a saltthat has a low enough melting temperature so that it can be in the formof a liquid when melt processed with the liquid crystalline polymer. Forexample, the melting temperature of the ionic liquid may be about 400°C. or less, in some embodiments about 350° C. or less, in someembodiments from about 1° C. to about 100° C., and in some embodiments,from about 5° C. to about 50° C. The salt contains a cationic speciesand counterion. The cationic species contains a compound having at leastone heteroatom (e.g., nitrogen or phosphorous) as a “cationic center.”Examples of such heteroatomic compounds include, for instance,quaternary oniums having the following structures:

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen; substituted or unsubstitutedC₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, etc.); substituted orunsubstituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloalkyl groups (e.g., adamantyl, cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, cyclohexenyl, etc.); substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkenyl groups (e.g., ethylene, propylene,2-methypropylene, pentylene, etc.); substituted or unsubstituted C₂-C₁₀alkynyl groups (e.g., ethynyl, propynyl, etc.); substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy groups (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy,isopropoxy, n-butoxy, t-butoxy, sec-butoxy, n-pentoxy, etc.);substituted or unsubstituted acyloxy groups (e.g., methacryloxy,methacryloxyethyl, etc.); substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups(e.g., phenyl); substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups (e.g.,pyridyl, furanyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl,imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl,quinolyl, etc.); and so forth. In one particular embodiment, forexample, the cationic species may be an ammonium compound having thestructure N⁺R¹R²R³R⁴, wherein R¹, R², and/or R³ are independently aC₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, butyl, etc.) and R⁴ is hydrogen or aC₁-C₄ alkyl group (e.g., methyl or ethyl). For example, the cationiccomponent may be tri-butylmethylammonium, wherein R¹, R², and R³ arebutyl and R⁴ is methyl.

Suitable counterions for the cationic species may include, for example,halogens (e.g., chloride, bromide, iodide, etc.); sulfates or sulfonates(e.g., methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, butyl sulfate, hexyl sulfate,octyl sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, methane sulfonate, dodecylbenzenesulfonate, dodecylsulfate, trifluoromethane sulfonate,heptadecafluorooctanesulfonate sodium dodecylethoxysulfate, etc.);sulfosuccinates; amides (e.g., dicyanamide); imides (e.g.,bis(pentafluoroethyl-sulfonyl)imide, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide,bis(trifluoromethyl)imide, etc.); borates (e.g., tetrafluoroborate,tetracyanoborate, bis[oxalato]borate, bis[salicylato]borate, etc.);phosphates or phosphinates (e.g., hexafluorophosphate, diethylphosphate,bis(pentafluoroethyl)phosphinate,tris(pentafluoroethyl)-trifluorophosphate,tris(nonafluorobutyl)trifluorophosphate, etc.); antimonates (e.g.,hexafluoroantimonate); alum inates (e.g., tetrachloroaluminate); fattyacid carboxylates (e.g., oleate, isostearate, pentadecafluorooctanoate,etc.); cyanates; acetates; and so forth, as well as combinations of anyof the foregoing. To help improve compatibility with the liquidcrystalline polymer, it may be desired to select a counterion that isgenerally hydrophobic in nature, such as imides, fatty acidcarboxylates, etc. Particularly suitable hydrophobic counterions mayinclude, for instance, bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide,bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and bis(trifluoromethyl)imide.

v. Tribological Formulation

A tribological formulation may also be employed in the polymercomposition, typically in an amount of from about 1 to about 30 parts,in some embodiments from about 2 to about 15 parts, and in someembodiments, from about 4 to about 12 parts per 100 parts of aromaticpolymer(s) employed in the polymer composition. For example, thetribological formulation may constitute from about 1 wt. % to about 30wt. %, in some embodiments from about 2 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, and insome embodiments, from about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the polymercomposition.

The tribological formulation may contain a siloxane polymer thatimproves internal lubrication and that also helps to bolster the wearand friction properties of the composition encountering another surface.Such siloxane polymers typically constitute from about 0.1 to about 20parts, in some embodiments from about 0.4 to about 10 parts, and in someembodiments, from about 0.5 to about 5 parts per 100 parts of aromaticpolymer(s) employed in the composition. Any of a variety of siloxanepolymers may generally be employed in the tribological formulation. Thesiloxane polymer may, for instance, encompass any polymer, co-polymer oroligomer that includes siloxane units in the backbone having theformula:

R_(r)—SiO_((4-r/2))

wherein

R is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbonradicals, and

r is 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Some examples of suitable radicals R include, for instance, alkyl, aryl,alkylaryl, alkenyl or alkynyl, or cycloalkyl groups, optionallysubstituted, and which may be interrupted by heteroatoms, i.e., maycontain heteroatom(s) in the carbon chains or rings. Suitable alkylradicals, may include, for instance, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl andtert-pentyl radicals, hexyl radicals (e.g., n-hexyl), heptyl radicals(e.g., n-heptyl), octyl radicals (e.g., n-octyl), isooctyl radicals(e.g., 2,2,4-trimethylpentyl radical), nonyl radicals (e.g., n-nonyl),decyl radicals (e.g., n-decyl), dodecyl radicals (e.g., n-dodecyl),octadecyl radicals (e.g., n-octadecyl), and so forth. Likewise, suitablecycloalkyl radicals may include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl cycloheptylradicals, methylcyclohexyl radicals, and so forth; suitable arylradicals may include phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, andphenanthryl radicals; suitable alkylaryl radicals may include o-, m- orp-tolyl radicals, xylyl radicals, ethylphenyl radicals, and so forth;and suitable alkenyl or alkynyl radicals may include vinyl, 1-propenyl,1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 5-hexenyl, butadienyl, hexadienyl, cyclopentenyl,cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, ethynyl, propargyl 1-propynyl, and soforth. Examples of substituted hydrocarbon radicals are halogenatedalkyl radicals (e.g., 3-chloropropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, andperfluorohexylethyl) and halogenated aryl radicals (e.g., p-chlorophenyland p-chlorobenzyl). In one particular embodiment, the siloxane polymerincludes alkyl radicals (e.g., methyl radicals) bonded to at least 70mol % of the Si atoms and optionally vinyl and/or phenyl radicals bondedto from 0.001 to 30 mol % of the Si atoms. The siloxane polymer is alsopreferably composed predominantly of diorganosiloxane units. The endgroups of the polyorganosiloxanes may be trialkylsiloxy groups, inparticular the trimethylsiloxy radical or the dimethylvinylsiloxyradical. However, it is also possible for one or more of these alkylgroups to have been replaced by hydroxy groups or alkoxy groups, such asmethoxy or ethoxy radicals. Particularly suitable examples of thesiloxane polymer include, for instance, dimethylpolysiloxane,phenylmethylpolysiloxane, vinylmethylpolysiloxane, andtrifluoropropylpolysiloxane.

The siloxane polymer may also include a reactive functionality on atleast a portion of the siloxane monomer units of the polymer, such asone or more of vinyl groups, hydroxyl groups, hydrides, isocyanategroups, epoxy groups, acid groups, halogen atoms, alkoxy groups (e.g.,methoxy, ethoxy and propoxy), acyloxy groups (e.g., acetoxy andoctanoyloxy), ketoximate groups (e.g., dimethylketoxime, methylketoximeand methylethylketoxime), amino groups (e.g., dimethylamino,diethylamino and butylamino), amido groups (e.g., N-methylacetamide andN-ethylacetamide), acid amido groups, amino-oxy groups, mercapto groups,alkenyloxy groups (e.g., vinyloxy, isopropenyloxy, and1-ethyl-2-methylvinyloxy), alkoxyalkoxy groups (e.g., methoxyethoxy,ethoxyethoxy and methoxypropoxy), aminoxy groups (e.g., dimethylaminoxyand diethylaminoxy), mercapto groups, etc.

Regardless of its particular structure, the siloxane polymer may have arelatively high molecular weight, which reduces the likelihood that itmigrates or diffuses to the surface of the polymer composition and thusfurther minimizes the likelihood of phase separation. For instance, thesiloxane polymer typically has a weight average molecular weight ofabout 100,000 grams per mole or more, in some embodiments about 200,000grams per mole or more, and in some embodiments, from about 500,000grams per mole to about 2,000,000 grams per mole. The siloxane polymermay also have a relative high kinematic viscosity, such as about 10,000centistokes or more, in some embodiments about 30,000 centistokes ormore, and in some embodiments, from about 50,000 to about 500,000centistokes.

If desired, silica particles (e.g., fumed silica) may also be employedin combination with the siloxane polymer to help improve its ability tobe dispersed within the composition. Such silica particles may, forinstance, have a particle size of from about 5 nanometers to about 50nanometers, a surface area of from about 50 square meters per gram(m²/g) to about 600 m²/g, and/or a density of from about 160 kilogramper cubic meter (kg/m³) to about 190 kg/m³. When employed, the silicaparticles typically constitute from about 1 to about 100 parts, and insome some embodiments, from about 20 to about 60 parts by weight basedon 100 parts by weight of the siloxane polymer. In one embodiment, thesilica particles can be combined with the siloxane polymer prior toaddition of this mixture to the polymer composition. For instance, amixture including an ultrahigh molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane andfumed silica can be incorporated in the polymer composition. Such apre-formed mixture is available as Genioplast® Pellet S from WackerChemie, AG.

The tribological formulation may also contain other components that canhelp the resulting polymer composition to achieve a good combination oflow friction and good wear resistance. In one embodiment, for instance,the tribological formulation may employ a fluorinated additive incombination with the siloxane polymer. Without intending to be limitedby theory, it is believed that the fluorinated additive can, among otherthings, improve the processing of the composition, such as by providingbetter mold filling, internal lubrication, mold release, etc. Whenemployed, the weight ratio of the fluorinated additive to the siloxanepolymer is typically from about 0.5 to about 12, in some embodimentsfrom about 0.8 to about 10, and in some embodiments, from about 1 toabout 6. For example, the fluorinated additive may constitute from about0.1 to about 20 parts, in some embodiments from about 0.5 to about 15parts, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 parts per 100parts of aromatic polymer(s) employed in the composition.

In certain embodiments, the fluorinated additive may include afluoropolymer, which contains a hydrocarbon backbone polymer in whichsome or all of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms.The backbone polymer may polyolefinic and formed fromfluorine-substituted, unsaturated olefin monomers. The fluoropolymer canbe a homopolymer of such fluorine-substituted monomers or a copolymer offluorine-substituted monomers or mixtures of fluorine-substitutedmonomers and non-fluorine-substituted monomers. Along with fluorineatoms, the fluoropolymer can also be substituted with other halogenatoms, such as chlorine and bromine atoms. Representative monomerssuitable for forming fluoropolymers for use in this invention aretetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene,chlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroethylvinyl ether, perfluoromethylvinylether, perfluoropropylvinyl ether, etc., as well as mixtures thereof.Specific examples of suitable fluoropolymers includepolytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroalkylvinyl ether,poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoroalkyvinylether), fluorinatedethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer,polyvinylidene fluoride, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, etc., as well asmixtures thereof.

The fluorinated additive may contain only the fluoropolymer, or it mayalso include other ingredients, such as those that aid in its ability tobe uniformly dispersed within the polymer composition. In oneembodiment, for example, the fluorinated additive may include afluoropolymer in combination with a plurality of carrier particles. Insuch embodiments, for instance, the fluoropolymer may be coated onto thecarrier particles. Silicate particles are particularly suitable for thispurpose, such as talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂), halloysite (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄),kaolinite (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄), illite ((K, H₃O)(Al, Mg, Fe)₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀[(OH)₂,(H₂O)]), montmorillonite (Na, Ca)_(0.33)(Al,Mg)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂.nH₂O), vermiculite ((MgFe, A₁)₃(Al, Si)₄O₁₀(OH)₂.4H₂O),palygorskite ((Mg, A₁)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH).4(H₂O)), pyrophyllite(Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂), calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, mica,diatomaceous earth, wollastonite, and so forth. Mica, for instance, maybe a particularly suitable mineral for use in the present invention.There are several chemically distinct mica species with considerablevariance in geologic occurrence, but all have essentially the samecrystal structure. As used herein, the term “mica” is meant togenerically include any of these species, such as muscovite(KAl₂(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂), biotite (K(Mg,Fe)₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂), phlogopite(KMg₃(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂), lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₂₋₃ (AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂),glauconite (K, Na)(Al, Mg, Fe)₂(Si, A₁)₄O₁₀(OH)₂), etc., as well ascombinations thereof. The carrier particles may have an average particlesize of from about 5 to about 50 micrometers, and in some embodiments,from about 10 to 20 micrometers. If desired, the carrier particles mayalso be in the shape of plate-like particles in that the ratio of itsmajor axis to thickness is 2 or more.

vi. Other Additives

A wide variety of additional additives can also be included in thepolymer composition, such as lubricants, thermally conductive fillers,pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flameretardants, anti-drip additives, nucleating agents (e.g., boron nitride)and other materials added to enhance properties and processability.Lubricants, for example, may be employed in the polymer composition thatare capable of withstanding the processing conditions of the liquidcrystalline polymer without substantial decomposition. Examples of suchlubricants include fatty acids esters, the salts thereof, esters, fattyacid amides, organic phosphate esters, and hydrocarbon waxes of the typecommonly used as lubricants in the processing of engineering plasticmaterials, including mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acids typicallyhave a backbone carbon chain of from about 12 to about 60 carbon atoms,such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachic acid,montanic acid, octadecinic acid, parinric acid, and so forth. Suitableesters include fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol esters, wax esters,glycerol esters, glycol esters and complex esters. Fatty acid amidesinclude fatty primary amides, fatty secondary amides, methylene andethylene bisamides and alkanolamides such as, for example, palmitic acidamide, stearic acid amide, oleic acid amide, N,N′-ethylenebisstearamideand so forth. Also suitable are the metal salts of fatty acids such ascalcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, and so forth;hydrocarbon waxes, including paraffin waxes, polyolefin and oxidizedpolyolefin waxes, and microcrystalline waxes. Particularly suitablelubricants are acids, salts, or amides of stearic acid, such aspentaerythritol tetrastearate, calcium stearate, orN,N′-ethylenebisstearamide. When employed, the lubricant(s) typicallyconstitute from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, and in someembodiments, from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. % (by weight) of thepolymer composition.

II. Formation

The components of the polymer composition (e.g., aromatic polymer(s),mineral filler(s), etc.) may be melt processed or blended together. Thecomponents may be supplied separately or in combination to an extruderthat includes at least one screw rotatably mounted and received within abarrel (e.g., cylindrical barrel) and may define a feed section and amelting section located downstream from the feed section along thelength of the screw. The extruder may be a single screw or twin screwextruder. The speed of the screw may be selected to achieve the desiredresidence time, shear rate, melt processing temperature, etc. Forexample, the screw speed may range from about 50 to about 800revolutions per minute (“rpm”), in some embodiments from about 70 toabout 150 rpm, and in some embodiments, from about 80 to about 120 rpm.The apparent shear rate during melt blending may also range from about100 seconds⁻¹ to about 10,000 seconds⁻¹, in some embodiments from about500 seconds⁻¹ to about 5000 seconds⁻¹, and in some embodiments, fromabout 800 seconds⁻¹ to about 1200 seconds⁻¹. The apparent shear rate isequal to 4Q/πR³, where Q is the volumetric flow rate (“m³/s”) of thepolymer melt and R is the radius (“m”) of the capillary (e.g., extruderdie) through which the melted polymer flows.

Regardless of the particular manner in which it is formed, the resultingpolymer composition can possess excellent thermal properties. Forexample, the melt viscosity of the polymer composition may be low enoughso that it can readily flow into the cavity of a mold having smalldimensions. In one particular embodiment, the polymer composition mayhave a melt viscosity of from about 30 to about 400 Pa-s, in someembodiments from about 40 to about 250 Pa-s, in some embodiments fromabout 50 to about 220 Pa-s, and in some embodiments, from about 60 toabout 200 Pa-s, determined at a shear rate of 400 seconds⁻¹. Meltviscosity may be determined in accordance with ISO Test No. 11443:2005at a temperature that is 15° C. higher than the melting temperature ofthe composition (e.g., about 305° C.).

III. Camera Module

As indicated above, the polymer composition of the present invention isemployed in the actuator assembly (e.g., guide unit) of a camera module.The particular configuration of the camera module may vary as is knownto those skilled in the art. Referring to FIG. 1, for example, oneembodiment of a camera module 100 is shown that contains a lens module120 that is contained within a housing, wherein the lens module 120contains a lens barrel 121 coupled to a lens holder 123. The lens barrel121 may have a hollow cylindrical shape so that a plurality of lensesfor imaging an object may be accommodated therein in an optical axisdirection 1. The lens barrel 121 may be inserted into a hollow cavityprovided in the lens holder 123, and the lens barrel 121 and the lensholder 123 may be coupled to each other by a fastener (e.g., screw),adhesive, etc. The lens module 120, including the lens barrel 121, maybe moveable in in the optical axis direction 1 (e.g., for auto-focusing)by an actuator assembly 150. In the illustrated embodiment, for example,the actuator assembly 150 may include a magnetic body 151 and a coil 153configured to move the lens module 120 in the optical axis direction 1.The magnetic body 151 may be mounted on one side of the lens holder 123,and the coil 153 may be disposed to face the magnetic body 151. The coil153 may be mounted on a substrate 155, which is in turn may be mountedto the housing 130 so that the coil 153 faces the magnetic body 151. Theactuator assembly 150 may include a drive device 160 that is mounted onthe substrate 155 and that outputs a signal (e.g., current) for drivingthe actuator assembly 150 depending on a control input signal. Theactuator assembly 150 may receive the signal and generate a drivingforce that moves the lens module 120 in the optical axis direction 1. Ifdesired, a stopper 140 may also be mounted on the housing 130 to limit amoving distance of the lens module 120 in the optical axis direction 1.Further, a shield case 110 (e.g., metal) may also be coupled to thehousing 130 to enclose outer surfaces of the housing 130, and thus blockelectromagnetic waves generated during driving of the camera module 100.

As indicated above, the actuator assembly of the camera module alsoincludes a guide unit containing the polymer composition of the presentinvention and that is positioned between the housing and the lens moduleto help guide the movement of the lens module. Any of a variety of guideunits may be employed as known in the art, such as spring(s), ballbearing(s), electrostatic force generators, hydraulic force generators,etc. For example, springs can be employed that generate a preload forcethat acts on the lens module and guides it into the desired optical axisdirection. Alternatively, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG.1, ball bearings 170 may act as a guide unit of the actuator assembly150. More specifically, the ball bearings 170 may contact an outersurface of the lens holder 123 and an inner surface of the housing 130to guide the movement of the lens module 120 in the optical axisdirection 1. That is, the ball bearings 170 may be disposed between thelens holder 123 and the housing 130, and may guide the movement of thelens module 120 in the optical axis direction through a rolling motion.

Any number of ball bearings 170 may generally be employed for thispurpose, such as 2 or more, in some embodiments from 3 to 20, and insome embodiments, from 4 to 12. The ball bearings 170 may be spaced partor in contact with each other, and may also be stacked in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis direction 1. The size of the ballbearings 170 may vary as is known to those skilled in the art. Due tothe enhanced strength properties of the polymer composition of thepresent invention, however, it is possible to use relatively small ballbearings while achieving the same degree of structural integrity aslarger bearings. Such smaller ball bearings may, for instance, have anaverage size (e.g., diameter) of about 800 micrometers or less, in someembodiments about 600 micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 400micrometers or less, and in some embodiments, from about 50 to about 200micrometers.

The guide unit may be formed using a variety of different techniques.Suitable techniques may include, for instance, injection molding,low-pressure injection molding, extrusion compression molding, gasinjection molding, foam injection molding, low-pressure gas injectionmolding, low-pressure foam injection molding, gas extrusion compressionmolding, foam extrusion compression molding, extrusion molding, foamextrusion molding, compression molding, foam compression molding, gascompression molding, etc. For example, an injection molding system maybe employed that includes a mold within which the polymer compositionmay be injected. The time inside the injector may be controlled andoptimized so that polymer matrix is not pre-solidified. When the cycletime is reached and the barrel is full for discharge, a piston may beused to inject the composition to the mold cavity. Compression moldingsystems may also be employed. As with injection molding, the shaping ofthe polymer composition into the desired article also occurs within amold. The composition may be placed into the compression mold using anyknown technique, such as by being picked up by an automated robot arm.The temperature of the mold may be maintained at or above thesolidification temperature of the polymer matrix for a desired timeperiod to allow for solidification. The molded product may then besolidified by bringing it to a temperature below that of the meltingtemperature. The resulting product may be de-molded. The cycle time foreach molding process may be adjusted to suit the polymer matrix, toachieve sufficient bonding, and to enhance overall process productivity.

In addition to being employed in the guide unit, the polymer compositionof the present invention may also be employed in any other portion ofthe camera module. Referring again to FIG. 1, for instance, the polymercomposition may be used to form all or a portion of the housing 130,lens barrel 121, lens holder 123, substrate 155, stopper 140, shieldcase 110, and/or any other portion of the camera module.

Regardless of its particular configuration and construction, theresulting camera module may be used in a wide variety of electronicdevices as is known in the art, such as in portable electronic devices(e.g., mobile phones, portable computers, tablets, watches, etc.),computers, televisions, automotive parts, etc. In one particularembodiment, the polymer composition may be employed in a camera module,such as those commonly employed in wireless communication devices (e.g.,cellular telephone). Referring to FIGS. 2-3, for example, one embodimentof an electronic device 2 (e.g., phone) is shown that includes a cameramodule 100. As illustrated, a lens of the camera module 100 may beexposed to the outside of the electronic device 2 through an opening 2 bto image an external object. The camera module 100 may also beelectrically connected to an application integrated circuit 2 c toperform a control operation depending on selection of a user.

The present invention may be better understood with reference to thefollowing examples.

Test Methods

Friction and Wear.

The degree of friction generated by a sample can be characterized by theaverage dynamic coefficient of friction (dimensionless) as determinedaccording to VDA 230-206:2007 using a SSP-03 machine (Stick Slip test).Likewise, the degree of wear of a sample testing may also be determinedin accordance with VDA 230-206:2007. More particularly, ball-shapespecimens and plate shape specimens are prepared using a polymer productvia injection molding process. The ball specimen is 0.5 inches indiameter. The plate specimen is obtained from middle part of ISO tensilebar by cutting two end areas of the tensile bars. The plate specimen isfixed on sample holder, and the ball specimen is moved in contact withthe plate specimens at 150 mm/s and 15 N force. After 1000 cycles, thedynamic coefficient of friction is obtained. The depth of wear isobtained from ball specimens by measuring diameter of worn-out ballarea. Based on the diameter of the worn-out area, the depth of worn-outthe ball specimen is calculated and obtained.

Melt Viscosity:

The melt viscosity (Pa-s) may be determined in accordance with ISO TestNo. 11443:2005 at a shear rate of 400 s⁻¹ and temperature 15° C. abovethe melting temperature (e.g., about 305° C.) using a Dynisco LCR7001capillary rheometer. The rheometer orifice (die) had a diameter of 1 mm,length of 20 mm, L/D ratio of 20.1, and an entrance angle of 180°. Thediameter of the barrel was 9.55 mm+0.005 mm and the length of the rodwas 233.4 mm.

Melting Temperature:

The melting temperature (“Tm”) may be determined by differentialscanning calorimetry (“DSC”) as is known in the art. The meltingtemperature is the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peak melttemperature as determined by ISO Test No. 11357-2:2013. Under the DSCprocedure, samples were heated and cooled at 20° C. per minute as statedin ISO Standard 10350 using DSC measurements conducted on a TA Q2000Instrument.

Deflection Temperature Under Load (“DTUL”):

The deflection under load temperature may be determined in accordancewith ISO Test No. 75-2:2013 (technically equivalent to ASTM D648-07).More particularly, a test strip sample having a length of 80 mm,thickness of 10 mm, and width of 4 mm may be subjected to an edgewisethree-point bending test in which the specified load (maximum outerfibers stress) was 1.8 Megapascals. The specimen may be lowered into asilicone oil bath where the temperature is raised at 2° C. per minuteuntil it deflects 0.25 mm (0.32 mm for ISO Test No. 75-2:2013).

Tensile Modulus, Tensile Stress, and Tensile Elongation:

Tensile properties may be tested according to ISO Test No. 527:2012(technically equivalent to ASTM D638-14). Modulus and strengthmeasurements may be made on the same test strip sample having a lengthof 80 mm, thickness of 10 mm, and width of 4 mm. The testing temperaturemay be 23° C., and the testing speeds may be 1 or 5 mm/min.

Flexural Modulus, Flexural Stress, and Flexural Elongation:

Flexural properties may be tested according to ISO Test No. 178:2010(technically equivalent to ASTM D790-10). This test may be performed ona 64 mm support span. Tests may be run on the center portions of uncutISO 3167 multi-purpose bars. The testing temperature may be 23° C. andthe testing speed may be 2 mm/min.

Unnotched and Notched Charpy Impact Strength:

Charpy properties may be tested according to ISO Test No. ISO179-1:2010) (technically equivalent to ASTM D256-10, Method B). Thistest may be run using a Type 1 specimen size (length of 80 mm, width of10 mm, and thickness of 4 mm). When testing the notched impact strength,the notch may be a Type A notch (0.25 mm base radius). Specimens may becut from the center of a multi-purpose bar using a single tooth millingmachine. The testing temperature may be 23° C.

Rockwell Hardness:

Rockwell hardness is a measure of the indentation resistance of amaterial and may be determined in accordance with ASTM D785-08 (ScaleM). Testing is performed by first forcing a steel ball indentor into thesurface of a material using a specified minor load. The load is thenincreased to a specified major load and decreased back to the originalminor load. The Rockwell hardness is a measure of the net increase indepth of the indentor, and is calculated by subtracting the penetrationdivided by the scale division from 130.

Surface/Volume Resistivity:

The surface and volume resistivity values are generally determined inaccordance with IEC 60093 (similar to ASTM D257-07). According to thisprocedure, a standard specimen (e.g., 1 meter cube) is placed betweentwo electrodes. A voltage is applied for sixty (60) seconds and theresistance is measured. The surface resistivity is the quotient of thepotential gradient (in V/m) and the current per unit of electrode length(in A/m), and generally represents the resistance to leakage currentalong the surface of an insulating material. Because the four (4) endsof the electrodes define a square, the lengths in the quotient canceland surface resistivities are reported in ohms, although it is alsocommon to see the more descriptive unit of ohms per square. Volumeresistivity is also determined as the ratio of the potential gradientparallel to the current in a material to the current density. In SIunits, volume resistivity is numerically equal to the direct-currentresistance between opposite faces of a one-meter cube of the material(ohm-m).

Ball Dent Test:

To test the ability of a material to withstand a physical force, a “balldent” test may be performed. More particularly, a sample composition maybe injection molded into a specimen having a width and length of 40 mmand a thickness of 2 mm. Other thicknesses may also be tested, such as0.2 mm. Once formed, a metal ball (1.5 mm diameter) may be dropped onetime from a distance of 10 cm or 15 cm from the upper surface of thespecimen. Various ball weights may be tested, such as 35 grams, 50grams, and 75 grams. After the ball has contacted the specimen, thedepth and diameter of any dent formed in the specimen is measured usingan image measurement sensor from Keyence.

Mini-Drop Test:

Another technique for testing the ability of a material to withstand aphysical force is a “mini-drop” test. More particularly, a samplecomposition may be injection molded into a specimen having a width andlength of 40 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. Other thicknesses may also betested, such as 0.2 mm. Once formed, a metal ball (1.5 mm diameter, 5grams) may be dropped numerous times (e.g., 10,000 or 20,000 times) froma distance of 150 mm from the upper surface of the specimen. Thereafter,the depth (micrometers) of any dent formed in the specimen is measuredusing an image measurement sensor from Keyence.

Example 1

Samples 1-5 are formed from various percentages of a liquid crystallinepolymer (“LCP”), polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (“PCT”),wollastonite fibers (Nyglos™ 4 W), mica (C-4000), talc (Flextalc™ 815),an ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAC™ SP 2260), boron nitride, afirst epoxy resin (Araldite™ ECN 1299, Epoxy Resin 1), a second epoxyresin (Epon™ 1009 F, Epoxy Resin 2), black pigment, lubricant (Licowax™PED 521), and various antioxidant stabilizers (AO 1010 and AO 126). ThePCT polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.62. In Sample 2, the LCPpolymer (“LCP 1”) is formed from 79.3 mol. % HBA, 20 mol. % HNA, and 0.7mol. % TA (Tm=325° C.). In Sample 3, the LCP polymer (“LCP 2”) is formedfrom 73 mol. % HBA and 27 mol. % HNA (Tm=280° C.). In Sample 4, the LCPpolymer (“LCP 3”) is formed from 60 mol. % HBA, 4.25 mol. % HNA, 17.875mol. % BP, and 17.875 mol. % TA (Tm=360° C.). Finally, in Sample 5, theLCP polymer (“LCP 4”) is formed from 42.86 mol. % HBA, 8.57 mol. % TA,28.57 mol. % HQ, and 20 mol. % NDA (Tm=300° C.). Compounding wasperformed using an 18-mm single screw extruder. Parts are injectionmolded the samples into plaques (60 mm×60 mm).

TABLE 1 Sample 1 2 3 4 5 PCT 52.32 20.32 20.32 20.32 20.32 LCP 1 — 41 —— — LCP 2 — — 41 — — LCP 3 — — — 41 — LCP 4 — — — — 41 WollastoniteFibers 15 15 15 15 15 Mica 20 20 20 20 20 Talc 2.5 0.625 0.625 0.6250.625 Ethylene Methacrylic 6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Acid Polymer Boron Nitride0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Epoxy Resin 1 0.6 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 EpoxyResin 2 1.5 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 Black Pigment 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.530.53 Lubricant 0.6 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Antioxidants 0.8 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

Samples 1-5 were tested for thermal and mechanical properties. Theresults are set forth below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Sample 1 2 3 4 5 Charpy Unnotched 20 3.7 12 2.3 3.2 (kJ/m²)Rockwell Surface 73 54 72 28 39 Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength(MPa) 58 42 86 26 27 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 7,702 11,923 11,684 9,3299,299 Tensile Elongation (%) 0.92 0.37 1.05 0.28 0.29 Flexural Strength(MPa) 106 97 139 60 62 Flexural Modulus (MPa) 7,399 13,583 13,140 10,61910,551 Flexural Elongation (%) 1.93 0.89 1.64 0.62 0.66 Melt Viscosity(Pa-s) 111.7 182.3 129.0 493.4 435.8 at 400 s⁻¹ Melting Temperature288.45 286.84 287.8 288.14 288.04 (° C., 1^(st) heat of DSC)

Example 2

Samples 6-9 are formed from various percentages of LCP 2 as referencedabove, polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (“PCT”), wollastonitefibers (Nyglos™ 4 W), mica (C-4000), talc (Flextalc™ 815), an ethylenemethacrylic acid copolymer (EMAC™ SP 2260), boron nitride, a first epoxyresin (Araldite™ ECN 1299, Epoxy Resin 1), a second epoxy resin (Epon™1009 F, Epoxy Resin 2), black pigment, lubricant (Licowax™ PED 521), anionic liquid (FC-4400), and various antioxidant stabilizers (AO 1010 andAO 126). The PCT polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.62. Compoundingwas performed using an 18-mm single screw extruder. Parts are injectionmolded the samples into plaques (60 mm×60 mm).

TABLE 3 Sample 6 7 8 9 PCT 21.52 12.261 8.1674 5.6085 LCP 2 44 55 60 63Wollastonite Fibers 30 30 30 30 Mica 20 20 20 20 Talc 0.625 0.312 0.15630.0782 Ethylene Methacrylic 1.5 0.75 0.375 0.1875 Acid Polymer BoronNitride 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Epoxy Resin 1 0.15 0.1 0.0375 0.0188 EpoxyResin 2 0.375 0.1875 0.0938 0.0469 Ionic Liquid 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 BlackPigment 0.53 0.265 0.1325 0.0663 Lubricant 0.15 0.075 0.0375 0.0188Antioxidants 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.025

Samples 7-8 were tested for mechanical properties. The results are setforth below in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Sample 6 7 8 9 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 102.6 97.6 101.6 106.7 at400 s⁻¹) Melting Temperature 287.2 285.9 285.6 280.1 (° C., 1^(st) heatof DSC) Charpy Unnotched 28 44 46 53 (kJ/m²) Rockwell Surface 75 73 7575 Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength (MPa) 120 147 160 182 TensileModulus (MPa) 12,274 14,171 14,598 15,135 Tensile Elongation (%) 2.0 3.23.7 4.2 Flexural Strength (MPa) 171 194 202 208 Flexural Modulus (MPa)12,836 14,266 14,762 15,069 Flexural Elongation (%) — 3.1 3.4 — BallDents (35 g) 8 6 9 — (depth, μm) Ball Dents (50 g) 20 15 16 — (depth,μm) Ball Dents (75 g) 42 38 32 — (depth, μm) Surface Resistivity 6.7 ×10¹¹ 4.6 × 10¹¹ (ohm) Volume Resistivity 7.4 × 10¹² 5.2 × 10¹¹ (ohm-m)

Example 3

Samples 10-13 are formed from various percentages of a liquidcrystalline polymer (LCP 1, LCP 2, LCP 3, or LCP 4 as referenced above),polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (“PCT”), wollastonite fibers(Nyglos™ 4 W), mica (C-4000), talc (Flextalc™ 815), an ethylenemethacrylic acid copolymer (EMAC™ SP 2260), boron nitride, a first epoxyresin (Araldite™ ECN 1299, Epoxy Resin 1), a second epoxy resin (Epon™1009 F, Epoxy Resin 2), black pigment, lubricant (Licowax™ PED 521), andvarious antioxidant stabilizers (AO 1010 and AO 126). The PCT polymerhas an intrinsic viscosity of 0.62. Compounding was performed using an18-mm single screw extruder. Parts are injection molded the samples intoplaques (60 mm×60 mm).

TABLE 5 Sample 10 11 12 13 PCT 33.32 33.32 33.32 33.32 LCP 1 19 — — —LCP 2 — 19 — — LCP 3 — — 19 — LCP 4 — — — 19 Wollastonite Fibers 15 1515 15 Mica 20 20 20 20 Talc 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Ethylene Methacrylic 6 6 6 6Acid Polymer Boron Nitride 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Epoxy Resin 1 0.6 0.6 0.60.6 Epoxy Resin 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Black Pigment 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53Lubricant 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Antioxidants 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

Samples 10-13 were tested for thermal and mechanical properties. Theresults are set forth below in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Sample 10 11 12 13 Charpy Unnotched 7.5 9.6 8.6 6.9 (kJ/m²)Rockwell Surface 56 61 52 57 Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength (MPa)52 62 41 40 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 8,478 8,620 7,522 7,547 TensileElongation (%) 0.74 1 0.62 0.61 Flexural Strength (MPa) 84 107 73 66Flexural Modulus (MPa) 8,780 9,008 7,539 7,397 Flexural Elongation (%)1.22 1.7 1.21 1.06 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 142.1 110.7 241.0 230.6 at 400s⁻¹ Melting Temperature 287 288 288 289 (° C., 1^(st) heat of DSC)

Example 4

Samples 14-16 are formed from various percentages of liquid crystallinepolymers (LCP 1 and LCP 2 as referenced above), wollastonite fibers(Nyglos™ 4 W), mica, an ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylateterpolymer (Elvaloy™ PTW), an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxanepolymer (Genioplast® Pellet S), polyethylene, and/or an ionic liquid(FC-4400). Parts are injection molded the samples into plaques (60 mm×60mm).

TABLE 7 Sample 14 15 16 LCP 1 51.9 53.9 55.9 LCP 2 12.5 12.5 12.5Wollastonite Fibers 30 30 30 Mica 2 — — Ethylene Terpolymer 1 1 1Siloxane Polymer 2 2 — Polyethylene — 2 — Ionic Liquid 0.6 0.6 0.6

Samples 14-16 were tested for mechanical properties. The results are setforth below in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Sample 14 15 16 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 87.2 90.8 75.9 at 400 s⁻¹)Melting Temperature — — — (° C., 1^(st) heat of DSC) DTUL at 1.8 MPa (°C.) 211 206 214 Charpy Notched 5.2 4.4 13 (kJ/m²) Charpy Unnotched 14 —42 (kJ/m²) Rockwell Surface 60 49 66 Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength(MPa) 123 116 168 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 12,535 11,518 13,880 TensileElongation (%) 2.0 2.1 3.6 Flexural Strength (MPa) 164 152 196 FlexuralModulus (MPa) 13,110 12,134 14,217 Flexural Elongation (%) 2.6 2.5 3.4Ball Dents (35 g) — — 5 (depth, μm) Ball Dents (50 g) — — 12 (depth, μm)Ball Dents (75 g) — — 25 (depth, μm)

Example 5

Samples 17-20 are formed from various percentages of liquid crystallinepolymers (LCP 1 and LCP 2 as referenced above), wollastonite fibers(Nyglos™ 4 W), barium sulfate, an ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/glycidylmethacrylate terpolymer (Elvaloy™ PTW), and/or an ionic liquid(FC-4400). Parts are injection molded the samples into plaques (60 mm×60mm).

TABLE 9 Sample 17 18 19 20 LCP 1 55.9 50.9 50.9 50.9 LCP 2 12.5 12.512.5 12.5 Wollastonite Fibers 30 20 10 — Ethylene Terpolymer 1 1 1 1Barium Sulfate — 15 25 35 Ionic Liquid 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

Samples 17-20 were tested for mechanical properties. The results are setforth below in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Sample 17 18 19 20 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 74 70 66 65 at 400s⁻¹) Melting Temperature 319 316 314 314 (° C., 1^(st) heat of DSC) DTULat 1.8 MPa (° C.) 207 202 190 185 Charpy Notched 10 12 13 15 (kJ/m²)Charpy Unnotched 38 37 47 45 (kJ/m²) Rockwell Surface 66 66 65 61Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength (MPa) 154 143 141 137 TensileModulus (MPa) 12,368 11,400 9,923 8,117 Tensile Elongation (%) 3.7 4.04.4 4.6 Flexural Strength (MPa) 178 168 156 135 Flexural Modulus (MPa)12,792 11,543 10,064 8,551 Flexural Elongation (%) >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5Ball Dents (35 g) — — 6 6 (depth, μm) Ball Dents (50 g) — — 15 11(depth, μm) Ball Dents (75 g) — — 26 26 (depth, μm)

Example 6

Samples 21-22 are formed from various percentages of a liquidcrystalline polymers (“LCP 1” and/or “LCP 2” as referenced above),wollastonite fibers (Nyglos™ 4 W), anhydrous calcium sulfate, ionicliquid (FC-4400), and black pigment. Parts are injection molded thesamples into plaques (60 mm×60 mm).

TABLE 11 Sample 21 22 LCP 1 — 56.9 LCP 2 66.9 10.0 Black Pigment 2.5 2.5Wollastonite Fibers 10 10 Calcium Sulfate 20 20 Ionic Liquid 0.6 0.6

Samples 21-22 were tested for mechanical properties. The results are setforth below in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Sample 21 22 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 574 71 at 400 s⁻¹) DTUL at1.8 MPa (° C.) 191 200 Charpy Notched 15.5 4.3 (kJ/m²) Charpy Unnotched49.5 38.3 (kJ/m²) Rockwell Surface 70 70 Hardness (M-scale) TensileStrength (MPa) 151 134 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 11,008 10,379 TensileElongation (%) 5.2 3.9 Flexural Strength (MPa) 165 165 Flexural Modulus(MPa) 11,206 11,058 Flexural Elongation (%) — — Ball Dents (35 g) 4.8 4(depth, μm)

Example 7

Samples 23-26 are formed from various percentages of a liquidcrystalline polymers (“LCP 1” and/or “LCP 2” as referenced above),Samples 14-16 are formed from various percentages of liquid crystallinepolymers (LCP 1 and LCP 2 as referenced above), wollastonite fibers(Nyglos™ 4 W), amorphous silica (median particle size of 1.7 μm), aterpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester and glycidyl methacrylate(Lotader™ AX8900), an ultrahigh molecular weight siloxane polymer(Genioplast® Pellet S), polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), calciumsulfate, and mica. Parts are injection molded the samples into plaques(60 mm×60 mm).

TABLE 13 Sample 23 24 25 26 LCP 1 57.5 54.5 54.5 54.5 LCP 2 12.5 12.512.5 12.5 Ethylene Terpolymer — — — 1 Siloxane Polymer — — — 2 Mica — —— 2 Wollastonite Fibers 10 10 10 10 Calcium Sulfate — — 20 20 PTFE — 3 33 Amorphous Silica 20 20 — —

Samples 23-26 were tested for mechanical properties. The results are setforth below in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Sample 23 24 25 26 Melt Viscosity (Pa-s) 42 51 63 55 at 400s⁻¹) DTUL at 1.8 MPa (° C.) — — 196 193 Charpy Unnotched 41 44 25 11(kJ/m²) Rockwell Surface 67 66 66 56 Hardness (M-scale) Tensile Strength(MPa) 142 155 155 134 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 10,300 11,037 11,106 9,564Tensile Elongation (%) 5.24 4.56 3.61 4.82 Flexural Strength (MPa) 163165 168 150 Flexural Modulus (MPa) 10,320 10,762 10,902 9,793 Avg. BallDents 3.9 — — — (5 g, 150 mm, 10,000 times) (depth, μm) Avg. Ball Dents4.0 — — — (5 g, 150 mm, 20,000 times) (depth, μm)

These and other modifications and variations of the present inventionmay be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Inaddition, it should be understood that aspects of the variousembodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoingdescription is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit theinvention so further described in such appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera module comprising: a housing withinwhich a lens module is positioned that contains one or more lenses; anactuator assembly that is configured to drive the lens module in anoptical axis direction, wherein the actuator assembly includes a guideunit that is positioned between the housing and the lens module, whereinthe guide unit comprises a polymer composition that includes a polymermatrix containing an aromatic polymer, wherein the polymer compositionexhibits a flexural modulus of about 7,000 MPa or more as determined inaccordance with ISO Test No. 178:2010 at 23° C. and a Rockwell surfacehardness of about 25 or more as determined in accordance with ASTMD785-08 (Scale M).
 2. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the polymercomposition exhibits a Charpy unnotched impact strength of about 2 kJ/m²as determined at 23° C. according to ISO Test No. 179-1:2010.
 3. Thecamera module of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition exhibits atensile strength of from about 20 to about 500 MPa, a tensile breakstrain of about 0.5% or more, and/or a tensile modulus of from about5,000 MPa to about 30,000 MPa, as determined in accordance with ISO TestNo. 527:2012.
 4. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the polymercomposition exhibits a dynamic coefficient of friction of about 1.0 orless and/or a wear depth of about 500 micrometers or less, as determinedin accordance with VDA 230-206:2007.
 5. The camera module of claim 1,wherein the polymer matrix constitutes from about 20 wt. % to about 70wt. % of the polymer composition.
 6. The camera module of claim 1,wherein the aromatic polymer has a melting temperature of about 200° C.or more.
 7. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the aromatic polymeris a polyimide, polyester, polyarylene sulfide, polycarbonate,polyphenylene oxide, polyetherimide, liquid crystalline polymer, or acombination thereof.
 8. The camera module of claim 1, wherein thearomatic polymer comprises a liquid crystalline polymer.
 9. The cameramodule of claim 8, wherein the liquid crystalline polymer contains oneor more repeating units derived from a hydroxycarboxylic acid, whereinthe hydroxycarboxylic acid repeating units constitute about 50 mol. % ormore of the polymer.
 10. The camera module of claim 9, wherein theliquid crystalline polymer contains repeating units derived from4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphtoic acid, or a combinationthereof.
 11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein the liquidcrystalline polymer contains repeating units derived from4-hydroxybenzoic acid in an amount of from about 50 mol. % to about 90mol. % of the polymer and contains repeating units derived from6-hydroxy-2-naphtoic acid in amount of from about 10 mol. % to about 50mol. % of the polymer.
 12. The camera module of claim 10, wherein theliquid crystalline polymer further contains repeating units derived fromterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid,hydroquinone, 4,4′-biphenol, acetaminophen, 4-aminophenol, or acombination thereof.
 13. The camera module of claim 8, wherein theliquid crystalline polymer contains repeating units derived fromnaphthenic hydroxycarboxylic and/or dicarboxylic acids in an amount ofabout 10 mol. % or more of the polymer.
 14. The camera module of claim8, wherein the polymer composition further comprises a semi-crystallinepolyester that includes poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(1,4-butyleneterephthalate), poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate), poly(1,4-butylene2,6-naphthalate), poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate),poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), a derivative of any ofthe foregoing, or a combination thereof.
 15. The camera module of claim14, wherein liquid crystalline polymers constitute from about 15 wt. %to about 85 wt. % of the polymer composition and semi-crystallinepolyesters constitute from about 1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of thepolymer composition.
 16. The camera module of claim 1, wherein thepolymer composition contains one or more mineral fillers.
 17. The cameramodule of claim 16, wherein the mineral fillers constitute from about 20to about 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymermatrix.
 18. The camera module of claim 16, wherein the mineral fillershave a hardness value of about 2.0 or more based on the Mohs hardnessscale.
 19. The camera module of claim 16, wherein the mineral fillerscontain mineral particles, mineral fibers, or a combination thereof. 20.The camera module of claim 19, wherein the mineral particles includebarium sulfate, calcium sulfate, mica, or a combination thereof.
 21. Thecamera module of claim 19, wherein the mineral fibers includewollastonite fibers.
 22. The camera module of claim 19, wherein thepolymer composition contains a blend of mineral particles and mineralfibers, wherein mineral fibers constitute about 1 wt. % to about 40 wt.% of the polymer composition and mineral particles constitute from about2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the polymer composition.
 23. The cameramodule of claim 16, wherein the polymer composition is generally free ofglass fibers.
 24. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the polymercomposition contains an impact modifier.
 25. The camera module of claim24, wherein the impact modifier includes an olefin polymer.
 26. Thecamera module of claim 25, wherein the olefin polymer is a copolymerthat contains a (meth)acrylic monomeric unit.
 27. The camera module ofclaim 1, wherein the polymer composition contains an epoxy resin. 28.The camera module of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition containsan antistatic filler.
 29. The camera module of claim 1, wherein thepolymer composition contains a tribological formulation, lubricant,thermally conductive filler, pigment, antioxidant, stabilizer,surfactant, wax, flame retardant, anti-drip additive, nucleating agent,or a combination thereof.
 30. The camera module of claim 1, wherein thepolymer composition exhibits a melt viscosity of from about 30 to about400 Pa-s, as determined at a shear rate of 400 seconds⁻¹ and at atemperature 15° C. higher than the melting temperature of thecomposition in accordance with ISO Test No. 11443:2005.
 31. The cameramodule of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly includes a magneticbody and coil configured to move the lens module in the optical axisdirection.
 32. The camera module of claim 31, wherein the coil ismounted on a substrate, and wherein the substrate is mounted to thehousing.
 33. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the guide unitincludes a spring, ball bearing, electrostatic force generator,hydraulic force generator, or a combination thereof.
 34. The cameramodule of claim 1, wherein the guide unit includes multiple ballbearings.
 35. The camera module of claim 34, wherein the lens modulecontains a lens barrel coupled to a lens holder, and further wherein theball bearings contact an outer surface of the lens holder and an innersurface of the housing.
 36. The camera module of claim 34, wherein theball bearings are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis direction.
 37. The camera module of claim 34, wherein the ballbearings have an average size of about 800 micrometers or less.
 38. Thecamera module of claim 1, wherein polymer composition exhibits a dent ofabout 50 micrometers or less when contacted with a metal ball having adiameter of 1.5 mm and weight of 75 grams that is dropped from a heightof 15 centimeters into contact with the polymer composition.
 39. Thecamera module of claim 1, wherein polymer composition exhibits a dent ofabout 50 micrometers or less when contacted 10,000 times with a metalball having a diameter of 1.5 mm and weight of 5 grams, which is droppedfrom a height of 150 millimeters into contact with the polymercomposition.
 40. An electronic device comprising the camera module ofclaim
 1. 41. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the device is awireless communication device.